Issues

Education

In Kindergarten through 3^rd grade students are learning to read; in 4th through 12^th grade students are reading to learn. Therefore, it is imperative that students master reading by the end of the 3^rd grade year. Classroom size is thus particularly critical in the early years. I remember my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wilhelm, sitting with a very small group of students teaching us to read. I am concerned that elementary school teachers have classes so large that they are not able to devote sufficient time to individual students. As a legislator I advocated for smaller class sizes. During my time in the legislature we passed the largest increase in educational funding in many years.

English as a Second Language

The East Side of Anchorage is home to numerous non-English speaking households. It is critical to the future success of the children in these households that they master English. Unfortunately, English as a Second Language (ESL) cannot be taught in a large classroom setting. Classroom size is particularly critical when dealing with non-English speaking students. I know from personal experience, having studied Spanish as a second language in Mexico, that the maximum number of students in a beginning ESL class should not exceed 5 or 6. Obviously, in the real world we are not going to have a certified teacher for every 5 or 6 students. But, there should be enough aides in each classroom that every 5 or 6 students have an instructor. As your representative I will focus on funding for ESL.

High School Dropout Rates

Alaska's dropout rate, at 8 percent, was double the national average in the 2005-2006 school year, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Education. These are some of the things we should consider to lower the drop out rate. We should consider raising the compulsory school attendance age to 18. We should vigorously enforce truancy laws and provide funding for school districts to employ truancy officers. We also need to promote programs such as Step Up, SAVE High School and Benny Benson that work with at-risk students. Moreover, we need to aggressively advertise these alternative educational options in venues that reach these at-risk students.

Energy

Energy Efficiency

One of the methods of dealing with the high cost of heating our homes is by improving their energy efficiency. While I was in the Alaska State Legislature we passed a bill authorizing three programs aimed at helping Alaskans reduce their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient.

The three programs are: Home Energy Rebate Program, Weatherization Program and Second Mortgage Program for Energy Conservation.

Under the Home Energy Rebate Program homeowners who want to make their own energy-efficient improvements can receive a rebate for some to all of the expenditures, based on a certified energy rating.
The Weatherization Program is for individuals who meet certain income guidelines and provides free weatherization assistance for homes, rentals, and multifamily dwellings.
Under the third program, the Second Mortgage Program for Energy Conservation, borrowers can apply to AHFC for financing to make cost-effective energy improvements on owner occupied properties.

Alternative Energy

Alaska is blessed with many sources of alternative energy. It is our responsibility to develop these resources. As co-chair of the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee I was instrumental in the formulation of a bill establishing a renewable energy fund for our state.

Wind - Wind power is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy. It is abundant and provides many Alaskan communities with a clean, local source of electricity, as opposed to the high cost of importing diesel and heating fuels. The United States recently passed Germany to become the country producing the most wind power. The Department of Energy has estimated that wind power could account for 20 percent of the nation's electricity supply by 2030. Alaska should be at the forefront of wind power development. While I was in the Alaska State Legislature I was able to obtain grants for wind power projects.
Hydro - Hydropower is a proven energy source that has been extremely effective in reducing electricity prices throughout our state. Alaska has approximately 40% of the nation’s fresh water supply. Despite Alaska’s hydropower resources our hydroelectric potential has not been fully developed. Hydroelectric plants currently provide Alaska with approximately 14% of its electricity. As a state, we can and should do better.
Solar - Solar energy has become an important component to consider when developing an energy strategy. Solar panels are one of the most popular sources of alternative energy for home power systems. Alaska has many remote communities which means many homes are built off the power grid. Rising fuel costs are a reason for the state to promote solar use by its residents. Everyone sees some sun during the year, which means everyone can gain some benefit from solar power.
Geothermal – Alaska has substantial geothermal potential. However, our geothermal assets remain underutilized. We should consider developing these resources.

Gas Pipeline

Major Gas Line
The state must focus on bringing together the Denali Project (consisting of BP and Conoco-Phillips) and Trans Canada/Exxon to put forward a unified plan for the construction of a major gas pipeline from the North Slope to either Valdez for export in LNG form or through Canada on to the Lower 48. Having a major gas pipeline provides the opportunity for the construction of a spur line which will bring critically needed gas to the interior and southcentral.
Bullet Line
The residents of the State of Alaska, particularly Anchorage, need a source of gas now. That is, we need a bullet line. If such a line does not pencil out economically from private enterprise we, as a state, should consider building the line ourselves. Alternately, the state should consider subsidies for shipment of gas from the lower 48. The possibilities of rolling brownouts simply cannot be tolerated!

Permanent Fund Dividend

The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is an economic engine for this state. As your legislator I will continue to resist any efforts to use permanent fund resources for any purpose other than dividends.